Sometimes, when I've been falsely accused, I have found myself questioning my sincerity. When I do, I follow the example of David in Psalm 26 as he responded to his critics.

Appealing directly to the Lord, he expressed his firm conviction that he had walked in "integrity" (the Hebrew word means sincerity, not faultlessness). He asked God to vindicate him, for he had renounced the ways of the wicked, declared his love for God's temple, and pleaded for deliverance from the fate of the ungodly (vv.1-10). Finally, he reaffirmed his resolve to live with sincerity, humbly asked God to redeem him, and acknowledged his need for mercy (v.11).

What happened next? God gave David the assurance that he stood in "an even place" (v.12), a symbolic way of saying he was in a place of safety, accepted and protected by the Lord. As a result, he closed his psalm on a note of confidence and anticipation.

Have the painful barbs of critics or the accusations of your conscience filled you with fear and self-doubt? Talk to the Lord. If you need to confess sin, do it. Then put your hope and trust in God. He will replace your insecurity and doubt with His supernatural peace. He has done that for me. He will do the same for you.  — Herbert Vander Lugt